Apicoectomy

Rancho Mirage, CA and Palm Springs, CA

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Does your tooth hurt months or even years after having a root canal? On rare occasions, the nonsurgical endodontic procedure may not be sufficient enough to save a tooth from extraction or falling out due to a badly decayed tooth that could have been treated. Some of the factors leading to an unsuccessful endodontic treatment include a minuscule dental fracture, a narrow dental canal filled with calcium deposits, or a tooth that did not heal correctly.

Luckily, an apicoectomy can help resolve your dental stress and pain.

Your endodontist may recommend a dental surgery, apicoectomy, to help end your dental suffering. An apicoectomy is essentially the last resort when a nonsurgical procedure has failed.

What is an Apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is a surgery that targets the infected or damaged tissue near a tooth’s roots. Typically, this type of surgery is needed when an infection persists or develops after a root canal or endodontic retreatment.

The reason being that infected debris may remain in the branches of the main root canal causing improper healing and re-infection of the area. Thus, the apex or root tip is removed, along with any infected tissue. Ultimately, a filling is used to seal the end of the root.

How does it work?

During an apicoectomy, the endodontist will make an incision in the gum tissue to help expose inflamed tissue and bone. With that, the damaged tissue and end of the root tip are then removed.

Additionally, we will proceed with cleaning and sealing the treated area. Thanks to the latest technology, the procedure is done under a dental operating microscope using ultrasonic instruments. This tool is very integral to the success of the procedure because the magnification and lighting provide the endodontist the ability to see the treatment area much better.

Typically, an apicoectomy is completed in about 30 to 90 minutes. It all depends on the location and intricacy of the root structure. The molars take the longest while the front teeth take the shortest amount of time.

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From timely, efficient service and quality dental materials and technology to our friendly and helpful staff, we’re passionate about what we do and we’ll take great care of you. Schedule your visit today at either of our convenient Coachella Valley locations.
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